Tea Party Rejoicing At Cantor’s Defeat

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican tea party forces are rejoicing and the party establishment is somber or altogether silent in the wake of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's primary defeat at the hands of political neophyte David Brat.

House Speaker John Boehner (BAY'-nur) praised Cantor as "a good friend and a great leader" in a statement that steered clear of the issue that Brat put at the center of his campaign — immigration — and has divided the party for years.

The Republican Party chairman and another top official kept their silence Tuesday night after Cantor's shocking loss at the hands of an underfunded challenger who warned the seven-term incumbent would line up for amnesty for immigrants in the country illegally.

Cantor himself conceded defeat, telling downcast supporters, quote, "Obviously we came up short."

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